A Series of Groups, illustrating the Physiognomy, Manners, and Character of the People of France and Germany by LEWIS, George - 1823

London: John and Arthur Arch, R. Triphook and J. Major, 1823. A very good copy of this scarce work. Boards have some light signs of handling. Internally, there is slight toning to page edges, some minor foxing and very light water staining to edges of a few pages. New end papers. . First edition. Comprises 52 finely etched, numbered plates, mounted on india paper. Bound in recent half calf, with attractive marbled boards, and red morocco title label to spine. According to Lewis there are 60 etched plates on 52 leaves. This is a little ingenious of the illustrator, as he has merely give two numbers to the larger etchings. In addition to the list of plates, Lewis has given a second numbered list to relate the plates to the relevant page in Dibdin's work. 270 x 180 mm (10¾ x 7 inches). [x], 1-15, plus plates. Lewis accompanied Thomas Frognall Dibdin on his tour of France and Germany making hundreds of drawings. A selection was used to illustrate Dibdin's 'Bibliographical Antiquarian and Picturesque Tour in France and Germany', 1821. This is the collection of many of the unused illustrations. The pair argued over payment for the work undertaken, so Lewis chose to publish them separately in this form. He also presented his case in a 15 page 'Advertisement' separately printed, but bound here within the prelims in this copy.